The sport of ice hockey has been building momentum in Scotland in recent years.

For the Fair City the presence of a local team was brought to a close when Perth Panthers closed after a brief cameo back in the Scottish set-up from 2000-2002.

But that has not stopped one youngster from lacing up his skates and powering across the ice.

Cole Giannandrea (8), from Auchterarder, is a defenceman with Fife Eagles and helped his team to success against the best of Britain at an under-10s tournament in Sheffield.

The young Scots battled their way to the final before edging out Sheffield Samurai in an end-to-end contest.

Cole, who scored in the showdown, was thrilled to lift the silverware and said: “Our coach thought we might make the semi finals but to go on and win it was amazing. We were so happy that we won the Sheffield tournament.

“I love playing for the Eagles. I have made great friends and we all work really well together.”

Explaining how he first entered the world of ice hockey, Cole said: “My uncle and grandpa played hockey.

“Although I never got to see them play, my mum always took me to see the Fife Flyers play every weekend and I was really keen to learn to play.

“I love that it is really fast and I love being part of a team. The training is hard but good fun. I also get to do some travelling to different ice rinks.”

Proud mum Gillian watched from the stand with family members as Cole’s team did the business on the ice.

She said: “I, his dad and one of his sisters all went to Sheffield. It’s quite a young team and for them to go out and play their hearts out was just fantastic.

“Cole loves the sport so much and he works really hard at all his training sessions. He has got the passion for the game and was awarded the coaches’ player of the year this year.

“There are no tournaments planned at the moment. The tournaments tend to be in the summer as ice time is always difficult to find during hockey season.”

In years to come Gillian hopes Cole, who trains three times a week, can pull on a national jersey and represent his country.

“At his age group they don’t have a league,” she said. “But the team try to play friendlies as often as they can.

“Scotland juniors have ice hockey teams at all levels and also there is opportunity to trial for team GB.

“The opportunities are great and hopefully he will get a chance to play for Scotland one day.”